EWWNP means Exploring Wild and Wonderful Number Patterns Created by Yourself! Investigate what happens if we create number patterns using some simple rules.

It's Times Again

Stage: 2 and 3 Challenge Level:

On the table in front of you is a grid like this:-

Now imagine that you have another grid, just the same but made of plastic that you can see through.

Each of the letters stands for a different number. As in a usual grid the numbers go up from the top left right through to the bottom right. BUT, the numbers might not be consecutive, so the first line could be

or something like that with numbers getting bigger but not necessarily in equal steps.

Now imagine that you have the same grid, but made of plastic that you can see through. (Letters representing the same numbers). You place the plastic one over the one on the table so that it covers it completely. You could have flipped it over and/or turned it around as you put the plastic one down. Sometime in the future the numbers that are paired, one above the other are multiplied together.
Then, all the results of multiplying together will be added together.

Your challenge is to say which way of flipping over and/or turning the plastic grid will give you the highest and which way will give the lowest totals.

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the
NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to
embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities
can be found here.